TTC

Expect
Excellence 1

The Fundamentals of SDH

The Fundamentals
of SDH
Overview mission hierarchy in 1985. Bellcore’s major goal was to
create a synchronous system with an optical interface
Recent global changes in government structures compatible with multiple vendors, but the standardiza-
and resulting economic pressures, increased competi- tion also included a flexible frame structure capable of
tion and growing private networks have forced telecom- handling either existing or new signals and also numer-
munications service providers throughout the world to ous facilities built into the signal overhead for embedded
increase their operating efficiency. Long-established operations, administration, maintenance and provision-
analog transmission systems that proved inadequate were ing (OAM&P) purposes. The new transmission hierarchy
gradually replaced by digital communications networks. was named Synchronous Optical Network (SONET). The
In many countries, digital transmission networks were International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estab-
developed based upon standards collectively known to- lished an international standard based on the SONET
day as the Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH). specifications, known as the Synchronous Digital Hier-
archy (SDH), in 1988.
Although it has numerous advantages over ana-
log, PDH has some shortcomings: provisioning circuits The SDH specifications define optical interfaces
can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, automation that allow transmission of lower-rate (e.g., PDH) signals
and centralized control capabilities of telecommunica- at a common synchronous rate. A benefit of SDH is that
tion networks are limited, and upgrading to emerging it allows multiple vendors’ optical transmission equip-
services can be cumbersome. A major disadvantage is ment to be compatible in the same span. SDH also
that standards exist for electrical line interfaces at PDH enables dynamic drop-and-insert capabilities on the pay-
rates, but there is no standard for optical line equipment load; PDH operators would have to demultiplex and
at any PDH rate, which is specific to each manufacturer. remultiplex the higher-rate signal, causing delays and
This means that fiber optic transmission equipment from requiring additional hardware. Since the overhead is
one manufacturer may not be able to interface with other relatively independent of the payload, SDH easily inte-
manufacturers’ equipment. As a result, service provid- grates new services, such as Asynchronous Transfer
ers are often required to select a single vendor for Mode (ATM) and Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI),
deployment in areas of the network, and are locked along with existing European 2, 34, and 140 Mbit/s PDH
into using the network control and monitoring capa- signals, and North American 1.5, 6.3, and 45 Mbit/s
bilities of that vendor. signals. In 1990, the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute (ETSI) selected a subset of the origi-
Reconfiguring PDH networks can be difficult and nal SDH specification as the standard for use by members
labor-intensive - resulting in costly, time-consuming of the European Union (EU). This subset, now used by
modifications to the network whenever new services are many countries outside the EU, is known as the ETSI SDH
introduced or when more bandwidth is required. The specification. ETSI SDH establishes a common multi-
situation was particularly difficult in North America, where plexing route for European countries. ETSI SDH differs
a plesiochronous system (T-Carrier) was in place. Utiliz- from the full SDH specification in that ETSI SDH is more
ing the technological advances and associated reductions restricted in the available multiplexing/demultiplexing
in cost since plesiochronous systems were introduced, options for transporting European and North American
Bellcore (the research affiliate of the Bell operating plesiochronous signals. References to SDH in this docu-
companies in the United States) proposed a new trans- ment are exclusively the ETSI SDH subset.
 TTC
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2 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

SDH Multiplexing
SDH multiplexing combines low-speed digital signals such as 2, 34, and 140 Mbit/s signals with required
overhead to form a frame called Synchronous Transport Module at level one (STM-1). Figure 1 shows the STM-1 frame,
which is created by 9 segments of 270 bytes each. The first 9 bytes of each segment carry overhead information; the
remaining 261 bytes carry payload. When visualized as a block, the STM-1 frame appears as 9 rows by 270 columns of
bytes. The STM-1 frame is transmitted row #1 first, with the most significant bit (MSB) of each byte transmitted first.

This formula calculates the bit rate of a framed digital signal:

bit rate = frame rate x frame capacity

In order for SDH to easily integrate existing digital services into its hierarchy, it operates at the basic rate of 8 kHz,
or 125 microseconds per frame, so the frame rate is 8,000 frames per second. The frame capacity of a signal is the number
of bits contained within a single frame. Figure 1 shows:
frame capacity = 270 bytes/row x 9 rows/frame x 8 bits/byte = 19,440 bits/frame

The bit rate of the STM-1 signal is calculated as follows:

bit rate = 8,000 frames/second x 19,440 bits/frame
= 155.52 Mbit/s

Frame Period = 125 µ seconds

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Overhead Payload

9 Bytes 261 Bytes

Figure 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
The STM-1 Frame

Overhead Payload
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 125 µs
270 Bytes
 TTC
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Excellence 3

The Fundamentals of SDH

STM-1
A

STM-1
B B A D C B A D C B A ...
4:1
STM-4

STM-1
C Figure 2
Multiplexing STM-1s
STM-1
D

Three transmission levels (STM-1, STM-4, and The SDH Frame

STM-16) have been defined for the SDH hierarchy. As
Figure 2 shows, the ITU has specified that an STM-4 Figure 3 shows the STM-1 frame divided into
signal should be created by byte interleaving four STM-1 two parts to physically segregate the layers, where each
signals. The basic frame rate remains 8,000 frames per square represents an 8-bit byte. The first nine columns
second, but the capacity is quadrupled, resulting in a bit comprise the section overhead (SOH), while the remain-
rate of 4 x 155.52 Mbit/s, or 622.08 Mbit/s. The STM-4 der is called the virtual container at level four (VC-4). The
signal can then be further multiplexed with three addi- SOH dedicates three rows for the regenerator section
tional STM-4s to form an STM-16 signal. Table 1 lists the overhead (RSOH) and six rows for the multiplexer sec-
defined SDH frame formats, their bit rates, and the tion overhead (MSOH). The VC-4 contains one column
maximum number of 64 kbit/s telephony channels that for the VC-4 path overhead (VC-4 POH), leaving the
can be carried at each rate. remaining 260 columns for payload data (149.76 Mbit/s).
Refer to Figure 3 to visualize the location of the SDH
overhead in the STM-1 frame.
Frame Bit Max. Number of
Format Rate Telephony Channels
See Appendix A for more information on each
of these overhead bytes.
STM-1 155.52 Mbit/s 1,920

STM-4 622.08 Mbit/ 7,680

Figure 3
STM-16 2.488 Gbit/s 30,720
Basic SDH
Overhead
Table 1 Structure
SDH Levels
Section Virtual
Overhead Container 4

A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 C1 J1
Regenerator
Section B1 E1 F1 B3
Overhead
D1 D2 D3 C2
H1 Y Y H2 1 1 H3 H3 H3 G1
Path
B2 B2 B2 K1 K2 Overhead F2
Multiplexer D4 D5 D6 H4
Section
Overhead D7 D8 D9 Z3
D10 D11 D12 Z4
S1 S1 S1 M1 M1 M1 E2 Z5
9 Bytes 261 Bytes

(Unmarked bytes are not assigned yet.)

 TTC
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4 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

SDH Signal Hierarchy For example, if traffic is traveling west to east in

Figure 4, and regenerator section errors are detected at
The SDH signal is layered to divide responsibility Site 4, a problem will be somewhere between Site 3 and
for transporting the payload through the network. Each Site 4. The observed problem can not be west of Site 3,
SDH network element (NE) is responsible for interpret- since all regenerator section results are recalculated at
ing and generating its overhead layer, and for communi- every point in the network. If multiplexer section errors
cating control and status information to the same layer in are found at Site 4, a problem exists between Site 2 and
other equipment, or terminating its overhead layer. As Site 4, since multiplexer section results are recalculated
the payload travels through the SDH network, each layer only at major network nodes, such as the SDXS at Site 2.
is terminated by one of a general class of NEs named Furthermore, if multiplexer section errors, but not regen-
regenerator section terminating equipment (RSTE), mul- erator errors, are found at Site 4, then a problem exists
tiplexer section terminating equipment (MSTE), or path between Site 2 and Site 3. Finally, if path errors are
terminating equipment (PTE). Figure 4 depicts a detected at Site 4, then a problem exists anywhere be-
sample network with the layered functions identified. The tween Site 1 and Site 4.
POH is generated where the lower-rate non-SDH signal
enters the SDH network by a PTE, such as an access The SDXS at Site 2 adds a twist to the path errors
multiplexer (AM). The POH is removed when the payload example, due to its flexible functionality, as shown in
exits the SDH network by a PTE, such as an access Figure 5. A SDXS has the capability to drop and insert
demultiplexer (AD). The POH is first-on, last-off, so the signals, and functions as a PTE when the signals being
alarm and error information contained within this layer dropped or added are tributaries of the SDH signal. If the
represents end-to-end status. SDXS has been equipped to add and drop 2, 34, or 140
Mbit/s PDH signals, the SDXS functions as a PTE for those
Path Layer
signals. If it is equipped
to add and drop STM-N
Multiplexer Multiplexer
Section 2 Section signals, the SDXS func-
West Layer Layer East
SDXS
tions only as a MSTE for
1 3 4
CPE
OR
CPE those signals. This fact
AM/AD AM/AD
2M 2M must be considered in
the scenario in Figure 4.
The path statement must
be modified to add the
Regenerator
Section
condition that if path er-
Regenerator Regenerator
Layer rors are located at Site 4,
Section Section
Layer
2M
Layer CPE = Customer Premises Equipment and the origin of a non-
AM = Access Multiplexer
Figure 4 AD = Access Demultiplexer SDH tributary within
SDXC = Synchronous Digital Cross-Connect System
Typical Layered OR = Optical Regenerator the STM-1 is at Site 1,
Communication then a problem exists
Network The next layer of overhead termination is the between Site 1 and Site 4. Otherwise, if any non-SDH
MSOH and is performed by the MSTE such as a synchro- tributary within the STM-1 originates from Site 2, then a
nous multiplexer (SM), a synchronous digital cross- problem exists between Site 2 and Site 4. Therefore, in
connect system (SDXS), an AM, or an AD. The MSOH is troubleshooting a signal, it is important to know where
where most of the communication and synchronization the path originates.
between major nodes occurs and monitors error infor-
mation between major network nodes. Finally, RSOH is Since the origin of the signal is an important
terminated by RSTEs, such as optical regenerators (ORs), factor in isolating trouble spots, the SDH signal itself
SMs, SDXSs, AMs, or ADs, and contains error information provides a method to tag every STM-1 with information
between every node in the SDH network. As Figure 4 about its location. The J1 Path Trace byte, described in
shows, MSTE, PTE, and RSTE functions may sometimes be Appendix A, carries a fixed length, either 16 or 64-byte,
combined within the identical piece of equipment. Since American Standard Code for Information Interchange
each layer is terminated and regenerated at the appropri- (ASCII) string that can be programmed at system turn-up
ate nodes, the performance monitoring data at each to carry textual information about the originating node,
network node helps to sectionalize problems. office, or customer. Because this information is never
terminated by MSTEs or RSTEs, it can only be assigned at
the signal originating point. The C1 and J2 bytes provide
similar functionality.
 TTC
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Excellence 5

The Fundamentals of SDH

SDXS

STM-N

STM-N Synchronous STM-1 STM-1 Synchronous STM-N

Multiplexer/ Multiplexer/
. Demultiplexer Demultiplexer .
. 2M 2M
.
. .

Signal is multiplexer section, Signals are multiplexer section and

regenerator section, and regenerator section terminated.
path terminated. (ADM is MSTE.)
(ADM is PTE.)
Figure 5
Function of a SDH SDXS

SDH Performance sender when a bit error is detected in the framed 2 Mbit/s
PDH signal. SDH uses the same algorithm, using a layered
Monitoring approach. If a MSTE receives some number of multi-
plexer section BIP errors, it transmits the same number
Each layer in the SDH signal provides alarm and of multiplexer section Far End Block Errors (FEBEs)
error monitoring capabilities between various terminat- back to the originator. PTEs use the same approach in the
ing points in the network. Similar to 2 Mbit/s signals, path layer of overhead.
parity is calculated and stored in the transmitted signal.
The parity is recalculated by the receiver and verified Like 2, 34, and 140 Mbit/s PDH signals, the SDH
against the stored value to determine if an error occurred signal also contains Alarm Indication Signals (AISs) and
during transmission. Every layer in the SDH signal has its Remote Alarms, except that a SDH Remote Alarm is
own Bit Interleaved Parity (BIP) calculation. The sidebar called Remote Defect Indication (RDI), and is layered
below shows how BIP checks are performed in SDH. like all of the other SDH results. The term RDI replaces
the former names FERF (Far End Receive Failure) and
If CRC framing is used at the 2 Mbit/s level, a RAI (Remote Alarm Indication) from previous versions
Remote End Block Error (REBE) may be returned to the of the SDH specification.

Bit Interleaved Parity (BIP)

BIP calculations are performed over each layer of the SDH overhead, such that each bit in the BIP byte will
indicate the parity of all respective bits in the previous frame. For example, if the number of bits equaling one in the
first bit position of every byte is odd, then the first bit position of the BIP byte will be one. If the number of ones in
the first position is even, then the first bit position of the BIP byte will be zero. This is repeated for all eight bits of
each byte to determine the value of the BIP byte.

Bytes in
Transmitted Signal = 01100100
10000110
. . . . . .
10100110
BIP Calculation = 01000100

Each layer calculates the BIP for all information in its domain. For example, the entire SDH signal is formed
when the RSTE sees it, so the regenerator section BIP is calculated over the entire signal, including all RSOH, MSOH,
VC-4 POH, and payload of the previous STM-N frame. The result is then placed in the B1 byte for a STM-1. Multiplexer
section BIPs are calculated over the previous STM-1 frame, minus the RSOH, and placed in the B2 bytes. Path BIPs
are calculated over the previous frame, minus RSOH and MSOH, and are found in the B3 byte of every STM-1.
 TTC
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6 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

SDH Timing the pointer is adjusted to indicate where the real POH
starts, the receiving end can effectively recover the pay-
Compensation load (i.e., ignore the dummy bytes). When justified bytes
are used, they are always in the same location, regardless
The SDH signal was designed to be timing-toler- of where the POH starts. H3 bytes are called negative
ant to support plesiochronously timed, lower-rate signals justification bytes and carry real payload data for one
and slight timing differences between synchronously timed frame during a pointer decrement. The three bytes
NEs. Two mechanisms allow for robust timing compen- following the last H3 byte in the VC-4 are called positive
sation: variable bit justification of the lower-rate signal, justification bytes and carry three dummy bytes of
and a technique called pointer adjustments between information for one frame during a pointer increment.
synchronous elements in the SDH network.
If there is no timing difference between two
Pointer adjustments allow the VC-4 to float with nodes, the incoming STM-1 payload bit rate is identical to
respect to the SDH frame. This means that a single VC-4 the transmitting source that drives the outgoing STM-1
payload frame typically crosses the STM-1 frame bound- frame rate, so no pointer adjustments are needed.
ary, as Figure 6 shows. The pointer is contained in the Figure 7 shows a SDH node that has an incoming
H1 and H2 bytes of the MSOH, and it is a count of the frequency f1 and an outgoing frequency f2. If f1 is less
number of bytes the VC-4 POH J1 byte is away from the H3 than f2, there is a constant lack of payload data to place
bytes, not including the section overhead bytes. A valid into the outgoing SDH signal. To compensate, three
VC-4 pointer can range from 0 to 782. dummy bytes are placed into the positive stuff bytes and
the data is moved to the right by three bytes, so the VC-4
When timing differences exist, dummy bytes can pointer is incremented by one (Figure 8). On the other
be inserted into the VC-4 without affecting the data. Since hand, if f1 is greater than f2 (as shown in Figure 9), then

9 Bytes 261 Bytes

STM-1
VC-4
J1
Figure 6
Pointer Bytes 9
Rows
Designating the
Frame N
Start of the VC-4
Path Overhead VC-4
POH

125 µs

Frame N + 1
9
Rows

250 µs
 TTC
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f2 f1
Excellence 7
SDH Node
(MSTE) Figure 7
Node with Slower

The Fundamentals of SDH

f1 < f2 Incoming Data Rate

three extra VC-4 payload bytes are stored into the negative in the MSOH. Also, path pointer adjustments are not
stuff bytes, H3, in the MSOH for one frame, while all the performed by PTE (where the payload data enters the
payload data is moved to the left by three bytes and the SDH network) even though there are potential timing
pointer is decreased by one (Figure 10). differences at these locations as well. The timing differ-
ences at PTEs are due to plesiochronously-timed tribu-
The only equipment that can perform path pointer tary signals and are corrected by traditional bit justifica-
adjustments is MSTE, since the pointer value is contained tion techniques.
STM-1 Frame

0 µs
Pointer Value
(P)
Figure 8
Start of STM-1 VC-4 Incrementing the
Frame N Pointer Value

125 µs

P
Positive Stuff Bytes
(Dummy Bytes)
Frame N + 1 Figure 9
Node with
Faster
Incoming
250 µs
Data Rate
PNEW = P + 1

Frame N + 2 f2 f1
SDH Node
(MSTE)

f1 < f2

375 µs
STM-1 Frame

0 µs
Pointer Value
(P)

Start of STM-1 VC-4

Frame N

Figure 10
Decrementing the
125 µs
Pointer Value
P
Negative Stuff Bytes (Data)

Frame N + 1

250 µs

PNEW = P - 1

Frame N + 2

375 µs
 TTC
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8 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

140 Mbit/s Payload of multiplexing is needed to allow transport of the large

number of 140 Mbit/s signals that already exist in net-
Multiplexing works throughout the world.

In SDH terms, multiplexing of non-SDH signals Multiplexing a 140 Mbit/s PDH signal into a STM-
means adapting these signals to the structure and timing 1 signal requires a number of steps. The first step is
of an STM-1 signal, enabling these non-SDH signals to be increasing the frequency of the 140 Mbit/s signal to the
transported inside the SDH network. The first step in the value of 149.76 Mbit/s, by using variable bit justification.
multiplexing of a non-SDH signal is mapping. Mapping The resulting structure is called a container at level four
of a non-SDH signal means increasing the frequency of the (C-4). Next, add nine overhead bytes to the C-4; this
non-SDH signal to a pre-determined frequency and add- overhead is called path overhead (POH). These nine
ing overhead for each one of the non-SDH signals. bytes are: J1, B3, C2, G1, F2, H4, Z4, and Z5, and the
resulting structure is called a virtual container at level
The SDH multiplexing that defines 140 Mbit/s four (VC-4). See Appendix A for a description of each
transport is asynchronous 140 Mbit/s. It is the least of these nine bytes. The second step is the addition of a
flexible SDH multiplexing mode, because 140 Mbit/s is VC-4 pointer. The resulting structure is called an admin-
the lowest level that can be cross-connected without istrative unit at level four (AU-4). Finally, MSOH and
incurring the delay and hardware cost of demultiplexing RSOH are added to the AU-4 to create the STM-1 signal.
the entire SDH signal. Even though this multiplexing is See Appendix A for a description of each of these
less flexible than multiplexing 2 Mbit/s signals straight section overhead bytes. Figure 11 shows how a
into SDH, it is the most important one because this level 140 Mbit/s signal is accommodated into an STM-1 signal.

261 Bytes
AU-4
1 Byte 13 Bytes
SOH
J1 VC-4
B3
AU-4 PTR
C2
9
G1
F2 Container-4
SOH
H4
Z3
Z4
Z5
STM-1 20 Blocks of 13 Bytes

VC-4
POH

Figure 11
Multiplexing a
140 Mbit/s
Signal into a
STM-1 Stream
 TTC
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Excellence 9
261 Bytes
J1

The Fundamentals of SDH

Figure 12
SOH B3
Multiplexing

Fixed Justification
Fixed Justification
C2
86 columns Three 34 Mbit/s
AU-4 PTR G1
H1
Signals into a
9 F2 TUG-3= TU-3
H4 H2
STM-1 Stream
SOH Z3 H3
Fixed Justification 85 columns
Z4
J1
Z5 VC-3
B3
C2
X3
STM-1 G1
F2 Container-3

H4
Z3
Z4
Z5

VC-3 POH

34 Mbit/s Payload 2 Mbit/s Payload

Multiplexing Multiplexing
The multiplexing of 34 Mbit/s signals into an When developing the SDH standard, the ITU
STM-1 is similar to that of 140 Mbit/s signals. The excluded the multiplexing of individual 8 Mbit/s PDH
major difference is that, because a VC-4 has a maxi- signals into an STM-1. This is because, in most regions
mum payload capacity of 149.76 Mbit/s, it can trans- of the world, the 8 Mbit/s PDH level is commonly used
port three 34 Mbit/s signals. Each of the three trans- as an intermediate multiplexing level. The use of
ported 34 Mbit/s signals is assigned a separate set of POH 2-34 Mbit/s multiplexers/demultiplexers, sometimes
identical to the POH used with the 140 Mbit/s signal. called skip multiplexers (that can combine sixteen
Another difference is that there are two levels of pointers: 2 Mbit/s links into a 34 Mbit/s signal), is common in
one pointer for the VC-4, and one separate pointer for most PDH networks.
each of the three 34 Mbit/s signals. The synchronized
34 Mbit/s signals are called containers at level three The multiplexing of 2 Mbit/s signals into a
(C-3s), and the structures created by adding the POH STM-1 is similar to that of 34 Mbit/s signals. In
are called virtual containers at level 3 (VC-3s). The three this case, the STM-1 signal can transport 63 sepa-
VC-3s along with their pointers are called tributary units rate 2 Mbit/s signals. Therefore, as in the case of
at level three (TU-3s). Once the three TU-3s have been 34 Mbit/s signals, there are two levels of pointers.
created, they are combined to form the payload of the Also, the POH assigned to each 2 Mbit/s signal is
VC-4. Figure 12 shows how three 34 Mbit/s signals are different from that used in 140 and 34 Mbit/s
accommodated into a STM-1 signal. signals. The POH for a 2 Mbit/s signal consists of four
bytes, namely, V5, J2, Z6, and Z7. Appendix A describes
each of these four bytes. Unlike mapping of 140 and
34 Mbit/s signals, the types of 2 Mbit/s mappings are:
asynchronous, bit synchronous, and byte synchronous.
Each container at level 1, order 2 (C-12) along with its
POH is called a virtual container at level 1, order 2
(VC-12). Each VC-12 along with its VC-12 pointer is
called a tributary unit at level 1, order 2 (TU-12). The
payload of the VC-4 is created by combining 63 TU-12s.
Figure 13 shows how these 2 Mbit/s signals are accom-
modated into an STM-1 signal. The sidebar below
describes each of the three mappings, and typical uses for
each. The mapping and mode that is used depends on the
application and nature of the 2 Mbit/s signals.
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10 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

261 Bytes
J1
SOH B3

Fixed Justification
Fixed Justification
C2
AU-4 PTR G1
9 F2
H4 86 columns
SOH Z3
TUG-2 1 TUG-2 7
Z4
TU-12 TUG-3
Z5 N PTRs (7 x TUG-2)
P

Fixed Justification
I

STM-1 POH

POH

X3

VC-12

Figure 13
Multiplexing Sixty-Three 2 Mbit/s Signals
into a STM-1 Stream

3 VC-12s

Asynchronous Mapping
Asynchronous mapping means that the 2 Mbit/s signals are not synchronized to the SDH signal.
Asynchronous mapping imposes no signal structure requirements, so 2 Mbit/s signals using this mapping do not
need to be framed. This type of mapping allows an easy interface with existing PDH systems, because as in the case
of 140 and 34 Mbit/s mappings, variable bit justification occurs as part of this type of 2 Mbit/s mapping, but direct
access to 64 kbit/s timeslots is not possible.

Bit Synchronous Mapping

Bit synchronous mapping means that the rate of the 2 Mbit/s signals is synchronized to the SDH signal;
however, the framing (if any) of the 2 Mbit/s signal is not synchronized to the SDH signal. As in the case of
asynchronous mapping, bit synchronous mapping imposes no signal structure requirements, so 2 Mbit/s signals
using this mapping do not need to be framed. Unlike asynchronous mapping, no variable bit justification takes place
with bit synchronous mapping, so the 2 Mbit/s signals to be mapped must already be synchronized to the SDH
network. This type of mapping is not planned for use in international networks; however, it may be used in national
networks. As in the case of asynchronous mapping, this type of mapping imposes the restriction that direct access
to 64 kbit/s timeslots is not possible.

Byte Synchronous Mapping

Byte synchronous mapping means that both rate and the framing of the 2 Mbit/s signal are synchronized
to the SDH signal. Byte synchronous mapping requires G.704 framing on the 2 Mbit/s signals. Because bit
justification does not take place, the 2 Mbit/s signals to be mapped must already be synchronized to the SDH
network. This mapping allows direct access to 64 kbit/s timeslots, so this should normally be used for Nx64 kbit/s
services and most 2 Mbit/s signals in the SDH network. Originally, ITU defined two types of 2 Mbit/s byte synchronous
mappings: floating mode and locked mode. The difference between these two lies in the use of the VC-12 pointers.
Floating mode uses VC-12 pointers, but locked mode does not. Locked mode was developed as a means to avoid
the use of VC-12 pointers, to eliminate the cost of VC-12 pointer processors in SDH equipment. Originally it was
thought that the use of VC-12s pointers in many cases could be unnecessary. Whenever using VC-12 locked mode,
all VC-12s are locked in phase and frequency, implying that switching of VC-12s in SMs or SDXSs may cause
significant delays. This is one of the reasons why this mapping mode is limited to “special cases”, and is not intended
to be widely used.
 TTC
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Excellence 11

The Fundamentals of SDH

Figure 14 xN x1
STM-N AUG AU-4 VC-4 C-4
Multiplexing Plesiochronous
x3 139264 kbit/s
Signals into a STM-N Signal
x1
TUG-3 TU-3 VC-3
For newly deployed networks, such as many
being implemented in Central and Eastern Europe, mul-
x7 C-3
tiplexing of 2 Mbit/s signals is the most important type of
44736 kbit/s
SDH multiplexing, because these networks are often 34368 kbit/s
Pointer Processing x1
designed to bypass the plesiochronous hierarchy, and TUG-2 TU-2 VC-2
instead multiplex 2 Mbit/s signals directly into the STM-1 Multiplexing
x3
level. Figure 14 shows the steps to multiplex 2, 34, and Aligning
TU-12 VC-12 C-12
140 Mbit/s PDH signals into a STM-N signal. Mapping 2048 kbit/s

VC-11 C-11

SDH Network 1544 kbit/s

Management
One important benefit of SDH when compared to from it and control its operation. The ITU Telecommu-
PDH is that SDH networks will operate together with a nication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Recommenda-
centralized, standardized control and maintenance sys- tion M.3010 provides the general principles of a TMN.
tem. The progressive incorporation of synchronous ITU-T Recommendation G.784 applies the principles of
electronic cross-connect systems (SDXS) into the net- the TMN to SDH-based transmission systems. Figure 15
work will allow the deployment of OAM&P capabilities shows the relationship between the SDH management
from centralized operations. This means that one central- network and a TMN. Information between the SDH Figure 15
ized telecommunications management network (TMN) Management Network (SMN) and the TMN is transferred Relationship
can be used for operation and maintenance of SDH NEs through Q-interfaces. The SMN can be accessed by the Between TMN and
from different vendors. The TMN interfaces with a net- TMN at Gateway Network Elements (GNE). SMN in a SDH
work at several different points to receive information Network

GNE Gateway Network Element ECC Protocol Communication

MD Mediation Device
Q Protocol Communcation
NE Network Element
OS
OS Operations System Other Protocol Communcation
SMN SDH Management Network
SMS-n SDH Management Sub-network - n
Workstation
TMN Telecommuncations Management TMN
Network

MD MD OS

Workstation Workstation

GNE GNE GNE

GNE NE NE NE NE NE

Workstation

NE NE NE

SMS-1 SMS-2 SMS-n

SMN
 TTC
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12 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

The SMN itself consists of a number of SDH generate and detect both SDH and PDH alarms. Cable
Management Sub-Networks (SMSs). Communication simulation capabilities are essential for signal recovery
within the SMSs is carried on Embedded Control Channels testing. Stress testing is usually performed once compli-
(ECCs) that use the Data Communication Channels (DCCs). ance with ITU-T recommendations has been verified.
DCCs are the D1 thru D12 bytes of the section overhead in Figure 16 shows wrap-around testing of SDH NEs.
a SDH signal. Some of the activities that a SDH manage-
ment system addresses are security management, perfor-
mance monitoring, ECC management, configuration man- Timing Analysis
agement, and fault and maintenance management. SDH
not only provides channels for management communica- Proper timing must also be verified in SDH/PDH
tions within the signal structure, but it also provides networks. For this purpose, the capability to generate
standard protocols for network management. both SDH and PDH signals with frequencies beyond ITU-
T recommended nominal values is required. In particu-
lar, the capability to synchronize the test instrument to an
SDH/PDH Network external 2048 kHz clock source, and the ability to gener-
Testing Applications ate SDH signals with frequencies deviated from ITU-T
recommended nominal values are important to test pointer
This section describes some important tests for processors at NEs. Measurement of bit and frame slips at
combined SDH/PDH networks and equipment, and some the SDH and PDH levels should also be available to verify
essential capabilities required for testing these networks clock recovery and distribution circuits. In addition,
and elements. manipulation of pointer values should be available to
verify correct pointer values recognition at NEs. This
includes the capability to generate sequences of pointer
values to analyze tolerance to tributary jitter at access
Verification of SDH/PDH and demultiplexers. Capability to read and display S1 bytes in
SDH Network Equipment the section overhead of SDH signals is also necessary, so
that correct processing of SDH synchronization status
One important procedure to be carried out in messages can be verified. Figure 17 shows typical NEs
SDH/PDH networks is verifying that NEs (SMs, AMs, ADs, to be tested for correct synchronization.
SDXSs and ORs) comply with ITU-T recommendations.
Generation and reception of both PDH and SDH signals at
different levels are required for this application. The
capability to multiplex/demultiplex both SDH and PDH Figure 16
signals is also required for complete testing. Also needed Wrap-Around Testing
are the capability to insert and detect both SDH and PDH of SDH NEs
errors into the transmitted payload and overhead, and to
SDXS

. .
STM-1 . . STM-1
. .

. .
STM-1 . . STM-1
AM . .
VC-12s OR
STM-1 . . STM-1 STM-1 STM-1
. .
. .

2M
STM-1

1402S 1402S 1402S

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The Fundamentals of SDH

2048 KHz
Reference
STM-1s Clock

STM-4 STM-4
Figure 17
STM-4
Synchronization
Testing of SDH NEs

STM-1 STM-1 STM-4

1402S 1402S

In-Service Network Summary

Quality Verification
The SDH signal has built-in performance moni-
toring, maintenance, provisioning, and operations infor-
The capability to perform both in-service G.821
mation directly within the signal format. It contains
and in-service M.2100 performance analyses on the
mechanisms to allow for timing inconsistencies through-
PDH tributaries of a SDH signal is required for non-
out the network, and provides a means for transporting
intrusive network quality assessment. Block-based in-
a wide variety of services. It allows tributary drop and
service performance analysis on the whole SDH signal for
insert while reducing equipment cost and timing delay to
extensive testing is also required. Along with these
provide on/off ramps to the industry analogy of the
capabilities, the ability to demultiplex a SDH signal
“global superhighway”. Rings may be designed to pro-
through the Nx64 kbit/s level provides comprehensive
vide a high degree of service quality, even in the presence
service analysis of transmission links at all levels, which
of multiple failure conditions. SDH networks will in-
is useful to analyze network status under similar environ-
creasingly incorporate intelligent network elements for
mental conditions and network load. It is important to
more flexible network configuration. These advantages
analyze the PDH payload and overhead inside SDH sig-
add up to provide a powerful network standard that will
nals, including detection of PDH alarms, for testing pur-
continue to grow in popularity into the future. As SDH
poses. Figure 18 shows examples of monitoring points
brings many new advances to the telecommunications Figure 18
in a SDH/PDH network.
network, it also brings many new testing challenges. PDH/SDH
In-Service
Performance
Optical Fiber Analysis
Media Testing Evaluation

34M
ITU-T recommends that SDH signals be
transported over optical fibers. One major type of 140M STM-1
test in SDH networks is verification of the optical 3 140M

transmission medium. Two important parameters STM-4

3 34M
to be tested in optical fiber links are optical power
level, and return loss.

The TTC INTERCEPTOR® 1402S SDH/PDH Ana-

lyzer is a versatile test instrument that includes the capa-
bilities required in all test scenarios just described. It can
be used to test both PDH-only and hybrid SDH/PDH 1402S
circuits and equipment.
 TTC
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14 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

Appendix A
SDH Regenerator Section, Multiplexer Section,
and Path Overhead Layers
Many of the bytes in the tables of this appendix are undergoing further definition and/or
modification at time of publication.

Byte Name Description

A1-A2 Framing Bytes Provide framing alignment for STM-N signals. For an STM-1,
the pattern is A1A1A1A2A2A2, where A1 is 11110110 and A2 is
00101000.

C1 Section Trace Provides an indication of path connectivity by repeating either a

single or 16 byte fixed length ASCII text string.

B1* Regenerator Section Provides regenerator section error monitoring using a bit inter-
BIP-8 leaved parity 8 code (BIP-8) using even parity. It is calculated
Table 2 over all bytes of the previous STM-N frame.
SDH Regenerator
Section Overhead E1* Regenerator Section Provides a 64 kbit/s voice channel for communication between
Layer Orderwire two RSTEs.

F1* Regenerator Section Provides a 64 kbit/s channel reserved for user purposes, for
User Channel example, to establish a temporary data or voice connection
between RSTEs.

D1-D3* Regenerator Section Provides a 192 kbit/s Data Communication Channel (DCC)
Data Communication between two RSTEs, to allow for message-based administra-
Channel tion, monitoring and other communication needs.

* Only defined for the first STM-1 of an STM-N

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The Fundamentals of SDH

Byte Name Description

H1-H2 Pointer Provides a byte offset value to indicate where the path
overhead begins within each VC-4. It is defined for all STM-1s
within an STM-N.

Y Filling Bytes These bytes are not currently used. They are fixed to the value
1001SS11, where S bits are unspecified. They are defined for
all STM-1s within an STM-N.

1 Filling Bytes These bytes are not currently used. They are fixed to the value
11111111. They are defined for all STM-1s within an STM-N.

H3 Pointer Action Three extra bytes are provided for negative byte justification
needed to perform a pointer decrement without losing any
data. They are defined for all STM-1s within an STM-N.

B2 Multiplexer Section Provides multiplexer section error monitoring using a bit

BIP-24xN interleaved parity 24xN code (BIP-24xN) using even parity. It
is calculated over all bytes of the multiplexer section overhead
and VC-4, excluding the regenerator section overhead of the
Table 3
previous STM-1 frame.
SDH Multiplexer
Section Overhead
K1-K2* APS Bytes Provide Automatic Protection Switching signaling between two
Layer
MSTEs. Bits 6, 7 and 8 of K2 are used to signal Multiplexer
Section Remote Defect Indication (MS-RDI, 110), an alarm
similar to PDH remote alarms.

D4-D12* Multiplexer Section Provides a 576 kbit/s Data Communication Channel (DCC)
Data Communication between two MSTEs, to allow for message-based administra-
Channel tion, monitoring and other communication needs.

S1 Synchronization Bits 5-8 of these bytes are used to specify the level of
Status Bytes/Growth synchronization of the signal in which they are placed. Bits
1-4 are growth bits.

M1 Multiplexer Section These bytes are used to implement Multiplexer Section Far
FEBE/Growth End Block Error (MS-FEBE), a count of the number of BIP-
24xN errors. This is valid only for levels 1 and 4. Additional
bits are reserved for growth.

E2* Multiplexer Section Provides a 64 kbit/s voice channel for communication

Orderwire between two MSTEs.

* Only defined for the first STM-1 of an STM-N

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16 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

Byte Name Description

J1 VC-4, VC-3 Provides an indication of path connectivity by repeating either

Path Trace a 16 or 64 byte fixed length ASCII text string which is inserted
when the payload is mapped. Installation crews can modify the
string to indicate the tributary source.

B3 VC-4, VC-3 Provides VC-4, VC-3 path error monitoring using a BIP-8 with
Path BIP-8 even parity. It is calculated over all bytes of the previous VC-4/
VC-3.

C2 VC-4/VC-3 Provides information about the content of the VC-4/VC-3,

Signal Label which could contain no valid signal, an 140 Mbit/s PDH signal,
34 Mbit/s signals, 2 Mbit/s signals, ATM cells, Distributed
Queue Dual Bus (DQDB) signals, or even FDDI signals.

G1 VC-4/VC-3 Provides a method for communicating the far-end path status

Path Status back to the originating equipment. Both VC-4/VC-3 FEBE and
RDI are implemented here.
Table 4
SDH Path F2 VC-4/VC-3 Provides a 64 kbit/s channel reserved for user purposes, for
Overhead Layer Path User Channel example, to establish a temporary data or voice connection
between VC-4/VC-3 PTEs.

H4 Multiframe Indicator Provides a multiframe phase indication of a Tributary Unit

(TU) payload whenever transporting 1.544 Mbit/s or 2 Mbit/s
signals.

Z3-Z5 Growth Bytes These three bytes are reserved for future needs. For example,
Z5 is allocated for specific management purposes, such as
Tandem Connection Maintenance (TCM).

V5 VC-12 Path Overhead Provides a method for communicating the far-end path status
back to the originating equipment. A BIP-2 code is imple-
mented to monitor for errors. VC-12 FEBE and VC-12 RDI,
are implemented here. A bit is also dedicated to indicate
failures.

J2 VC-12 Path Trace Provides an indication of path connectivity by repeat-

ing a 16-byte fixed length ASCII text string which is
inserted when the payload is mapped. Installation crews
can modify the string to indicate the tributary source.

Z6-Z7 Growth Bytes These two bytes are reserved for future needs. In particular,
Z6 is allocated for specific management purposes, such as
Tandem Connection Maintenance (TCM).
 TTC
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DO NOT PRINT
THIS PAGE
pg. 17
 TTC
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18 Excellence
The Fundamentals of SDH

lexer
Multip ion
Sect
Layer

1
West

CPE AM/AD
2M

Regen
Sec
La

Telecommunications Techniques Corporation

20400 Observation Drive, Germantown, Maryland 20876
Tel. (800) 638-2049 • (301) 353-1550 (MD) • FAX (301) 353-0731
WWW Address: http://www.ttc.com

I-SDH TN - 5/95
 TTC
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INTERCEPTOR Expect
Excellence 19

of SDH
Technical Note
The Fundamentals of SDH
The Fundamentals
ayer East
Path L
lexer
Multip ion
Sec t CPE
Layer
2 4
3 AM/AD 2M
OR
SDXS

erator
Regen tion
Sec
Layer ent
is e s Equipm
er Prem stem
erator C ustom Multiplexer er ect Sy
Regen tion CPE =
Ac c e s s
mult ip lex
ross - C o n n
Sec AM = Access De us Digital C
erator Layer AD = n o
chro generator
2M = Syn e
tion SDXC = Optical R
yer OR